A Sport Scholars Education afternoon took place at Felsted on Friday 19th June 2015. Four external experts led Junior Felsted Sport Scholars through practical sessions, with the aim to educate them on what it takes to be an elite athlete.
Dr. Paul Freeman and Kelly Murray from the University of Essex ran Sport Psychology and Physiology sessions respectively, outlining how to improve performance through imagery and breathing techniques, and understanding the body’s responses to incremental exercise. Darren Drake from the LTA High Performance Centre at Gosling ran a strength and conditioning session, introducing functional movement patterns to the pupils. Bernie Cotton MBE, former Olympic Athlete, Olympic Coach and Olympic Performance Manager, delivered an Olympic presentation inspiring the pupils to aspire to be elite athletes, culminating in the opportunity to hold an Olympic Torch.Felsted Sports Coach Jonny Sloman comments, “This was a great opportunity for the scholars to gain practical understanding of sport science and the role it plays in creating elite athletes. We hope that this afternoon, and the ones that will follow, will help the scholars to reach the pinnacle of their chosen sports.”